N751JK - Low Signal Wi-Fi

Hi,

I recently bought the new Asus N751JK notebook (model N751JK-DH71-CA) and it looks like the Wi-Fi signal strength from Windows 8.1 is lower than my old Asus laptop from 6 years ago (running on Vista), and both are exactly at the same distance from the router, about 10 feet away, which is very close. I'm getting 3 to 4 bars out of 5, compared to constantly 5 on 5 with old laptop.

When I test the connection speed, I'm getting an average 15 to 20Mbps with the N751JK and 25Mbps (which is the maximum my ISP provides me) with the old laptop.
It's not a big deal, but I'm still curious what's going on? The problem is that if I go in a Coffee shop where the wi-fi is not that good, the chances I get good reception are much lower with the all-new N751, compared to my old laptop.

The Wireless Network Adapter the N751 is using is Atheros AR9485, and all drivers were uninstall and reinstall of course, with all latest from Asus. I tried pretty much everything, reset TCP/IP, upgrade router firmware, played with different options in the router 20mHz, 40mHz, etc)

In the Windows Connection properties, it shows that the Speed is 72Mbps, and I can easily get that up to 150Mbps by changing the router 40 Mhz settings, but still get 3 or 4 bars out of 5 for Signal Quality.

I have also previously exchanged this laptop for a new one because of a keyboard issue, and in both case, exact same problem, which kinda rule out the option of a Defecting wireless card.

I was thinking it might be the way the wi-fi antennas are connected inside the laptop, or a design issue, such as the metal material that might affect wi-fi reception ?

I have heard Windows 8.1 has some issues regarding wireless connectivity, and the laptop comes with 8.1 so I assume nobody have tried it with a previous version 8.0 or 7...

Is there anyone out there with a N751JK that noticed a drop in the Wi-Fi performance?

Thanks very much

 

Hi,

Sorry for digging this post up, but a friend of mine just got himself the NJ751JK-T7119H, which shows the same issue with Wi-Fi.

Have you managed to fix it eventually?

BR

 

If this is the same router you were using 6yrs ago with Vista, you may need to update the firmware for your router, if you never have done so.

We get this question often with our tech support guys from customers who just got a Windows 8.1 computer and they are coming from a Windows 7 or older computer and working with a WiFi router from the Windows 7 era. Updating the firmware fixes this issue most of the time.

 

Updating router firmware is always a good idea (unless the version's courtesy of the GCHQ, of course).

That's also a possibility. The wifi antennas are located in the display lid (behind lcd, at the top). Different design might hinder reception and how the antenna cable is wired matters too; lcd manufacturers recommend routing the wire besides the panel, not underneath (interference). Second possibility; poorer quality antennas, these come with the laptop, not the wifi card (aftermarket upgrade is an option). Third; one less antenna, usually there are two, but sometimes there's just a single. Fourth; antenna cable not correctly plugged into the wifi card. That, at least, is a quick check/repair (the other require removal of the lcd-bezel):

Spoiler: wifi card, antenna cables

Colour of the cable is irrelevant; black/white can be swapped. Though in case of a single antenna you may want to prefer plugging into ANT1 (or equivalent), just to rule out possible embedded distinguishment by the card's manufacturer.

Oh, and check the revolving antenna(s) of your router.

 

See here for an answer (undoubtedly not the one you are hoping for)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/769835-poor-wifi-speed.html

 

MxPantone - Hi, please let us know if you're still having this issue with your notebook. If so please email us at [email protected] with the full details of the issue and we'll see how best we can help in resolving this. Thank you.